Reply by Don W

you’ve got a 2” piece, so you’ve got some fibers to move. Clamping the way you have it will work, its just a matter of time, and it could be a long time. To speed up the processes, here’s what may work.

First, a note that woods react different, kiln versus air dried, oak versus ash, thick versus thin, etc, so you just never know. Watch the woods reaction and adjust accordingly.

Soak the board in water for a day or so. THEN, clamp it like you have it. Ever two or three days, remove it and see what its doing. Each time add about an 1/8” shim. Watch it closely because you may wind up with a hump in the center. If you see that starting, use wider shim board. You’ll want to over bend it a little, because it will probably settle back.

Heat will help speed the processes but it also make it more unpredictable. (heat the top of the board). I’ve heard that using boiling water can be used as well, but that’s a big pot for your piece.

I’ll be back later to watch the video. I’ve seen steam coming out of the end of boards, but never on purpose.